GSLC vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GSLC (Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - GSLC tracks the Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity Index while VUG tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GSLC returned 14.64%/yr vs 18.26%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GSLC charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

GSLC vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSLC) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GSLC achieves a 8.50% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 9.49% return. Over the past 10 years, GSLC has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 14.64%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.26% annualized return.

GSLC

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: 4.52%
• YTD: 8.50%
• 6M: 8.90%
• 1Y: 23.28%
• 3Y*: 20.85%
• 5Y*: 12.70%
• 10Y*: 14.64%

VUG

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: 6.22%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 6M: 8.72%
• 1Y: 27.84%
• 3Y*: 25.93%
• 5Y*: 15.11%
• 10Y*: 18.26%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

GSLC vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GSLC Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF	8.50%	16.17%	24.21%	25.09%	-18.71%	27.17%	19.02%	30.74%	-4.07%	22.49%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.49%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between GSLC and VUG is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2015	0.94

The correlation between GSLC and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

GSLC vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GSLC	VUG
Technology	38.0%	53.5%
Financial Services	10.6%	4.3%
Consumer Cyclical	10.6%	12.2%
Communication Services	10.5%	17.3%
Healthcare	8.3%	4.6%
Industrials	8.2%	3.6%
Consumer Defensive	5.5%	1.5%
Energy	3.2%	0.4%
Utilities	2.4%	0.9%
Basic Materials	1.5%	0.6%
Real Estate	1.1%	1.0%

Return for Risk

GSLC vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

GSLC

GSLC Risk / Return Rank: 56
GSLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
GSLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
GSLC Omega Ratio Rank: 58
GSLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
GSLC Martin Ratio Rank: 60

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 43
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 37

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

GSLC vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSLC) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	GSLC	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.00	1.77	+0.23
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.76	2.40	+0.36
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.31	+0.05
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.46	1.69	+0.77
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.96	5.92	+5.04
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GSLC vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GSLC Sharpe Ratio is 2.00, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GSLC and VUG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GSLC	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.00	1.77	+0.23
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77	0.68	+0.08
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83	0.85	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.82	0.62	+0.20

Drawdowns

GSLC vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GSLC drawdown since its inception was -33.69%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSLC and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	GSLC	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.69%	-50.68%	+16.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.49%	-16.53%	+7.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.66%	-22.85%	+4.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.90%	-35.61%	+10.71%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.69%	-35.61%	+1.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.67%	-1.51%	+0.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.39%	-7.09%	+2.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.13%	4.71%	-2.58%

Volatility

GSLC vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSLC) is 2.74%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 3.83%. This indicates that GSLC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GSLC	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.74%	3.83%	-1.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.84%	12.11%	-3.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.72%	15.84%	-4.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.62%	22.22%	-5.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.68%	21.44%	-3.76%

GSLC vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

GSLC has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

GSLC vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

GSLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.93%, more than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GSLC Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF	0.93%	1.00%	1.11%	1.38%	1.61%	1.06%	1.35%	1.54%	1.89%	1.69%	1.69%	0.36%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.37%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GSLC and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, GSLC and VUG move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, GSLC or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (3.83%) compared to GSLC (2.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GSLC dropped -33.69% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, GSLC or VUG?

On 10-year performance, VUG leads with 18.26% vs 14.64% for GSLC. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, GSLC has been the lower-risk option at 2.74%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GSLC or VUG?

Over the 10-year period, VUG has performed better with a 18.26% return vs 14.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GSLC or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for GSLC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GSLC or VUG?

GSLC has the higher dividend yield at 0.93%, compared with 0.37% for VUG.

What is the main difference between GSLC and VUG?

GSLC tracks Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for GSLC and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GSLC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 vs 1.77), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.